Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Dallas is 20% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,403/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
$67,760/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
$295,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 12%
$1,409/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
1,299,553
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $6,732/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Dallas or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $6,732/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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